An inspiring creative space makes connecting with your inner creative guidance so much easier. When there is clutter, reminders of unfinished work or a stack of bills staring at you, creativity easily hides in your growing pile of “some day” excuses. Lack of a creative brainstorm space can also make you feel as if you are in a constant state of re-igniting creativity instead of playing with it.
All a good inspiring creative space really needs to be is an area to focus and tune in that feels good.
Instead of envisioning a far away land where every condition is perfect and creativity is pouring directly into your veins, get clear on what kind of space feels neutral and supportive for your creativity that’s close to home. Here’s a simple checklist:
- Is it easy to get to?
- Are you able to go there frequently?
- Is it clean and clutter-free?
- Are you able to easily shut out the noise and distractions to dig in and play?
- Can you decorate it with things that feel soothing and creatively inspiring?
- Do you have more than one spot that works as an inspiring creative space?
My home office needs to serve multiple purposes, so I’ve spread things out to the corners of the space to create a feeling of separateness and build a sense of distinct energy and purpose for each focus.
- The creativity corner: A small glass table close to the window for when I want to look outside while journaling or brainstorming, and it’s next to the outlet to fuel my glue gun.
- Work desk corner: Where I do my blogging, client work and other business awesomeness.
- Altar corner: My small bamboo mini table is covered with an “om” scarf that serves as a resting place for my crystals, nature objects, sage, creative inspirational items, etc. I also sometimes meditate in front of it from a blanket on the floor.
- Connection corner: This is where I’ve put my oversized comfy chair that’s positioned to look out the windows towards the mountains. I use this chair to meditate, talk on the phone etc. – things that require tuning in instead of intense mental effort.
I also have a handful of spots outdoors I use to get away from my routine and reconnect with nature – a critical part of of my creative budget. I go there specifically to get out of my home and away from the mental or energy cycles I swim in all day long. Taking this break to change the scenery improves my perspective and inner creative connection, and reminds me how different spots offer unique insights and gifts.
Crafting a Inspiring Creative Space that Works Now, Not Someday
If you are ready to jump in… get playful. Think about the things you love or inspire you, bring you peace or help you feel connected to your inner creative voice. Then add elements of that in your special space:
- Is it color, music, flowers or plants, pictures or a fresh new journal?
- How does it smell?
- What does it sound like?
- Is it comfortable?
- Is there a way to spread out and play?
- If you are lacking some key pieces, how can you bring in new elements cheaply and easily?
For an outside inspiring creative space get-away, think about how you want to use the area. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a private back yard (although it’s a nice bonus), so think about if you can be OK tuning in despite distractions by people or other noises. If you release expectations and just tune into what nature has to share while hanging out with her, the creative tingles start to wiggle in, all on their own.
Be Ready to Explore and Build New Creative Spaces
The best advice I can offer is to enjoy the process of finding and shaping a creative space, using the fun, playful energy involved as creative fuel for any project. Forget expectations and set intentions for what you wish to connect with while in an inspiring creative space instead, gently build a flow.Each seed you plant through repetition of being in the space, will bring you closer to adding “dollars” into your creative budget.
Personally, I’m excited to see how my inspiring creative space is going to change now that I’m moving at the end of the month. Yes, the transition itself will cause a bit of creative upheaval, but I’m really excited to tune into a home as a homeowner, crafting roots that have long-term potential and more space for creative inspiration inside and out. What are some interesting ways you make use of creative space at home or outdoors?
Also a little reminder: This post is the third part in a series on crafting a creative budget. Last week I covered connecting with your inner joy to ensure your creative budget always as a clear lifeline to creating what matters to you most.
Photo credit: VanessaPenagos